Star Olsen – President

Star Olsen, President of Wellington Rugby League, is a respected leader in rugby league and community service. With a lifelong involvement in the sport, including playing and chairing at Wainuiomata Rugby League, he managed the Premier team during its most successful era. As WRL President, Star brings decades of experience and a commitment to fostering rugby league's growth.

Beyond the sport, he chairs Ngā Hau e Whā and Wainuiomata Marae, serves on various community boards, and advocates for whānau hauora, well-being, and education. Recognized with a Hutt City Council Civic Award, he remains a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, pridefully serving his community.

Dame Luamanuvao Winnie Laban - Wellington Rugby League Patron​​​​​​​

Dame Luamanuvao Winnie Laban is the current Patron of Wellington Rugby League and a distinguished leader in New Zealand’s Pacific community. She entered Parliament in 1999 as a Labour Party List MP and became the country’s eighth Minister of Pacific Island Affairs. In 2002, she won the Mana seat, serving as a strong advocate for social and community development. Before her political career, Dame Winnie worked in family therapy and community development, focusing on Pasifika communities. In recognition of her contributions, she was bestowed the Samoan chiefly title of Luamanuvao in 1992 by the village of Vaiala, Vaimauga.

With her deep ties to the community and extensive experience in leadership, Dame Winnie brings a wealth of knowledge and advocacy to her role as Patron of Wellington Rugby League. Her passion for grassroots development, particularly within Pasifika and Māori communities, aligns with the Wellington Rugby League's values of inclusivity, well-being, and strengthening whānau connections through sport. Her guidance and influence will help elevate the league’s impact both on and off the field.

Phillip Leaupepe-Nickel – Co-Chair

Phillip is a practicing lawyer with experience in employment, health and safety, privacy and commercial law and has worked in private, public and not-for-profit organisations.

Despite growing up playing rugby union, Phil was drawn to serve WRL and rugby league more generally because of its ability to connect and empower communities close to his heart authentically.

Phil is a believer in the power of sport to advance youth and community outcomes and has been a Board Director since 2022, becoming Co-chair in 2024. Phil was born in Wellington and raised in Samoa, Australia and Aotearoa.

Sheree Freeman – Co-chair (Ngāi Tahu, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, and Te Atiawa)

Sheree has made significant contributions to Wellington Rugby League (WRL) as a Board Director and Co-chair, particularly in building partnerships, securing sponsorships, and strengthening community connections. Her iwi affiliations provide a valuable perspective, enhancing WRL’s ties to the local Māori community.

With broad governance experience and a strong connection to the Wellington and Hutt regions, Sheree brings expertise in event management, funding, and community engagement. She has a successful background in senior government roles, supporting rangatahi into training and employment, and has been instrumental in driving positive outcomes for Māori and Pasifika communities.

As a former Chair of the Petone Rugby League Club, Sheree led significant improvements and secured funding for essential improvements to the clubrooms, including new lighting, heat pumps, and other upgrades. She is also a Board Member of the Petone Community Board under the Hutt City Council, leading initiatives in Emergency Management, Funding Engagement, and Environmental projects.

Sheree’s ability to build relationships and deliver impactful results continues to benefit the WRL community.

Leon Downes – Board Director

Leon Downes is a one of our rugby league-knowledgeable directors on the board, converting from rugby in the mid-1990s to play for the Randwick Kingfishers. He has held a number of roles within the club over the last 30 years. He was made a Life Member in 2018.

He was asked to join the Wellington Rugby League Board in 2019 by the then-Chair Peter Dale and served as Co-chair from 2020 to 2023.

Leon is a qualified carpenter and is the owner of a successful Wellington interior construction business. He has a real passion for training young people in the trade. His company Prestige Ceilings & Linings Ltd has also been a sponsor of WRL for several years.

Leon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from not only a business perspective but from his long history of rugby league and community involvement. ​​​​​​​

Victoria Evans – Board Director

Victoria began her career as a radio journalist for Newstalk ZB in the early 2000s and has spent nearly 20 years working in strategic communications, crisis communications and media in several different government settings from health to regulatory systems as well as with New Zealand Police.

Her most recent role was focussed on improving health equity for Māori, Pacific and disabled people. Victoria chose the public service as a career because she’s committed to making a difference to the lives of New Zealanders.

Victoria is a proven and experienced leader. One of her strengths is her ability to build and maintain relationships. She is excited to bring her communication skills to the board table and aims to raise the profile of Wellington Rugby League and engage with communities.

Karunanidhi (Karuna) Muthu - Board Director

Karuna Muthu is a Wellington-based lawyer and business strategist with extensive experience in investment strategy and governance. He has supported start-ups, served as President of Wellington Mutamizh Sangam, and contributed to community initiatives, including digital inclusion and education.

With legal expertise, strategic insight, and a strong community focus, Karuna brings valuable governance skills to Wellington Rugby League. His experience in financial sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning will help strengthen the league’s future and community impact.